The Lower Milford Township Supervisors met July 16 to accept the resignation of Public Works Administrator Richard Kinsey effective July 9.

Kinsey served as public works director and zoning and planning administrator for the past 10 years. Supervisors explained Lower Milford Township was looking to reorganize. Township Manager/Secretary Ellen L. Koplin hired a temporary person to fill Kinsey's position before formally advertised.

There was no police report, no library report, no fire company report and no actions on subdivisions and land developments.

The ambulance corps report revealed Macungie Ambulance received 316 calls during the month of June; however, only six were for Lower Milford Township.

There is an opening for a volunteer to serve on the library board.

In new business, a possible donation of 2.77 acres by Paul Kern was discussed.

Supervisor William Roy suggested the land be used for a compost depository for the township citing the lack of adequate space to drop off plant-based matter such as leaves.

Vice chair Michael Snovitch voiced his concern about the neighboring properties objecting to the drop-off zone due to the possible stenches and fire hazard and recommended nearby property owners be consulted before any definitive plans were put into motion.

Chair Donna Wright introduced the need of a zoning officer for Lower Milford Township.

Koplin, who acted as the zoning officer initially, could re-assume the duties temporarily while a full-time employee is found. Roy made a motion to temporarily make Koplin the new zoning officer, citing it would be the most cost-effective and quickest resolution.

Snovitch suggested Cowan Associates could temporarily assume the duties using Koplin as an assistant. Roy suggested Koplin be used for simple tasks, whereas Cowan be used for the high-impact paperwork; however, Snovitch disagreed.

Wright explained with Cowan Associates as the zoning board officer, they would process zoning applications, building permits and inspections, whereas Koplin would be fulfilling more assistant based duties.

The motion was made to appoint Cowan Associates as zoning officer by Snovitch, which was seconded by Wright. One nay vote was voiced by Roy. The motion was then made to make Koplin the assistant zoning officer and it was unanimously approved.

Wright announced the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will replace a bridge in Limeport Village. An engineer from PennDOT will attend the September board meeting so the public can see the plans. It is not known when the bridge will be replaced. Wright voiced her concern about the closing of the bridge due to congestion of traffic and also the small businesses nearby.

At the end of the meeting, following questions by residents, supervisors reiterated the need for new staff members as well as the concept many positions could be revamped in the near future.